brian fleming wrote:
Eurasian
Tree Sparrrows used to be quite common in some Melbourne suburbs and we
used to see plenty around Ivanhoe and Alphington. In recent years they
have declined markedly, so I was pleased to see one on Wed. 30
November, on the outward platform at Alphington Station, while we were
waiting for the 10.08 to the City.
In case any tick-hunters really want to see them, there are still quite
a few at Melbourne Zoo. They are not very hard to pick from House
Sparrows - brown cap, and black spot on cheek.
Hi Anthea
I live around the corner from Alphington Station (inner eastern
Melbourne) and I agree that Eurasian Tree Sparrows can easily be seen
there - and are at least as abundant as House Sparrows in the block
around there (particularly down to the Paladarr restaurant on the
corner of Yarralea Street). They are also 'the' sparrow at Fairfield
Station (next stop towards the city) and in the blocks behind the shops
- whereas House Sparrows are more common on the street front amongst
the el fresco diners, etc.
I don't think Tree Sparrows are declining in the parts of Melbourne
where I've watched them over the last 10-15 years (train stations
feature high on this list of sites
:-) ), and I can think of a few suburbs where they
outnumber House Sparrows (parts of Ascot Vale, Pascoe Vale South,
Northcote, Fairfield, ...). They do seem to be less abundant and
widespread in Geelong these days - particularly near where I grew up in
Geelong West (and my parents still live there).
The other good field mark is their somewhat finch-like honking call -
much different to the harsh chatter of House Sparrows.
L.
--
=================================
Lawrie Conole
GradCertOrnith MEIANZ
Principal Zoologist
Ecology Australia Pty. Ltd.
Flora and Fauna Consultants
88B Station Street
FAIRFIELD VIC 3078 Australia
E-mail: lconole [at] ecologyaustralia.com.au
Internet: http://www.ecologyaustralia.com.au/
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